As we come to the end of 2019, we look forward to 2020 with what Paul wrote in Romans 5:1-5: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ; By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
“Therefore” means in Conclusion. Paul has argued all are under sin, and that by a response, we can personally participate in God’s provision of forgiveness in Christ. When we obey the gospel, as I follow Christ, after our baptism, we are justified by faith. Paul concludes- there are good results! There are blessings “we have.”
Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Sin puts us in opposition to God (Ephesians 2:12): “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” Because of who Jesus is and what He did, the sin and the opposition it causes end!
Those “justified by faith “enjoy peace with God; completeness, wholeness and harmony. As faith becomes active in our responses to the gospel, and our walk - in newness of life - We are justified, and one good result is peace. “Access by faith into grace”. There is a vibrant word here: access. In this context, it means entrance into a place of blessing. When you read the word here in Romans 5, imagine a beautiful room; a place of great blessing. Call this place “the room of God’s favor.” But though peace and access are great needs and abundant gifts, there is more, “Not only that!
Verse 3 says, “We also glory in tribulations”. To the world, this sounds, not just strange, but absurd and abnormal. Can anyone go through tribulation, pain, anguish, hardship and persecution, and glory at the same time? The idea when stated in these terms, seem to raise immediate objection. Paul affirms those “justified by faith” can do this! By this faith we have the capacity to endure trouble, because we know something.
For those who live by faith, tribulation produces perseverance! Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
How do we know all this? The Holy Spirit. We know we have these blessings by faith, and we know that hope will have a good end, because a loving God has communicated this to us. “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us. Romans 5:1-5 is about what you have, if you are “justified by faith into”. We are walking in newness of life; we have peace with God, access into grace, and the capacity to glory and grow in tribulation!
As we close 2019, may we hear the words of Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”.
Barbara and I thank you for all your hard work, continued support and love in 2019. As we approach 2020, we wish you a very Happy and Blessed New Year! May God continue to bless, strengthen and keep you. May we continue to worship and uplift our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We love you!
Pastor Hill